HYBRIDISATION 
generally distinct, and it may be regarded as a fair indica-' 
tion of the value of the generic distinction that their union 
should produce sterile offspring. 
It may be remarked that by far the larger number of 
instances of hybridisation that can and will be brought 
forward are among the Gallinm and Anatidce, and the 
reason is obvious, as these two orders of birds are those 
most frequently kept in a semi-domesticated state, and 
consequently the different species are most frequently 
crossed by accident, or by the intention of those who keep 
them under these conditions. 
Many well-known instances of different species of water- 
fowl have produced fertile hybrids ; among them we may 
mention the following on the list of Anatidce : — 
Chinese Goose 
cygnoides) j 
Pintail Duck (Dafila f 
acuta) j 
Tufted Duck {Full- 
gula cristata) J 
( Common Goose {Anser 
f domestica) 
( Common Duck {Anas 
f boschas) 
f Niroca Pocliard {Fidi- 
V gida niroca) 
Among the Gallincv the following have produced fertile 
hybrids ; — 
Sonnerat’s Jungle') 
Fowl {Gallus Sun- 
ncratii) j 
Ocellated Turkey \ 
(Meleagris ocellata) J 
Common Pheasant 1 
(Phasianus colchic- j- 
cus) J 
f Bankiva Jungle Fowl 
{Gallus bankiva) 
( Common Turkey {Me- 
f leagris mexicana) 
f Bing-necked Pheasant 
\ {Phasianus torquata) 
( Japanese Pheasant 
f {P. versicolor-) 
( Beeves’ Pheasant iP. 
f Peevesii) 
f Gold Pheasant {Thau- 
f malea picta) 
crossed with 
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